Makrandgad Fort

Makrandgad Fort stands in the Javli forest of Satara district, Maharashtra, near Pratapgad and 156 km from Pune. King Shivaji built it in 1656, the same time as Pratapgad. It commanded no trade route or pass, and served instead as a link between Pratapgad and Vasota, and it was surrendered to the British by private negotiation in 1818.

The climb is an easy day trek for those staying at Mahabaleshwar. From the base village of Ghonaspur, a path through dense forest reaches the col between the fort's two humps in about an hour. To the right lie a Malikarjun temple and a spring. Walking round the fort takes half an hour, past ruined walls, buildings and water tanks, with views on clear days of Pratapgad, Mahipatgad, Rasalgad and Sumargad. Lack of drinking water rules out camping on top, but villagers can arrange food and a night's stay.